Key to a Bright Future Scholarship

Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners!

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz would like to congratulate our Scholarship winners. Our goal was to help minimize the financial burdens of pursuing a higher education, and through our scholarship, we have found a new way we can serve our community.

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz would like to thank all who applied. Please check our blog and Facebook page for announcements and other scholarship opportunities.

2022 Winning Entry

"Although stress and school can be synonymous at times, I have learned that the sacrifices are worth it. Throughout the years, I have learned key information about finding a balance between my mental health and school."

- Esperanza G., 2022 Scholarship Winner

Finding Balance

School has always been a place where I find myself spending most of my time. During the past four years, I have learned that it comes with its pros and cons. On one hand, I get to spend my time in activities that I genuinely enjoy and connect with students who are passionate about similar things as I am. On the other hand, school can be extremely stressful because of the many components demanded. Although stress and school can be synonymous at times, I have learned that the sacrifices are worth it. Throughout the years, I have learned key information about finding a balance between my mental health and school.

"Time with my family can range from watching a TV show or simply having conversations with my siblings about their days. These moments have lifted a weight from my shoulders many times and filled my room with laughter. My family is my biggest motivator that reminds me why I do what I do!" "
- Esperanza G.

My days start bright and early when my alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m., signaling that it is time to get up. I groggily get up and get ready by putting on my black leggings and black tank top. At record speed, my brother and I are out the door and in the car heading to the gym. The gym is another place I have learned to challenge myself and reach new limits. From cardio to weightlifting, those are all things I do in the one-hour interval I am there. Any tensions that built up from the day before are released during my workout and a feeling of happiness takes its place. At the end of a workout, my endorphins are at an all-time high, which sets me up for a day of success.

Once I get home, I get ready to go to school by 7:10 am. I’m employed at my school, so when I’m not in school, I’m working in the science department for about eighteen hours a week. In the same way students have deadlines for assignments, teachers have specific dates that activities and assignments need to be done, so I have been tasked with helping create and set up labs for the science classes. I have quickly learned the ropes around the department and am continuously learning from the teachers around me. The routine at work has eased my stress and created an environment where I am excited to go to work and interact with the many teachers.

"The opportunity to lend a helping hand to expecting parents, provide assistance if there are any language barriers, and offer directions to patients and families has been a fulfilling experience. When I was younger, I would be the main translator for my mom, so I always aim to be the one person who makes someone’s day easier."
- Esperanza G.

I have taken nine Advanced Placement (AP) classes and four dual enrollment classes, and I would be lying if I said it has been an easy feat. Since my dad got his GED and my mom only had the opportunity to complete grade school, it has been quite a bit of trial and error as I figured my way around high school as the first in my family to graduate. AP classes have required a substantial amount of time and effort, but I put priority to spend time with my family, which can be hard when it seems as if all my assignments are due that day.

Time with my family can range from watching a TV show or simply having conversations with my siblings about their days. These moments have lifted a weight from my shoulders many times and filled my room with laughter. My family is my biggest motivator that reminds me why I do what I do!

Along with academics comes clubs. At my school, I am the president of the Science Club, the faculty appreciation chair in Student Council, secretary for the National Honor Society and Renaissance (Teacher Appreciation) Club, a member of the Interact Club, and the College Knowing and Going Ambassador (Education Forward Arizona). Once I clock out of work, I head on to my clubs. In the beginning, these extracurriculars felt daunting, but with my friends, it has been a hugely positive experience. The support system that is my friends has prevented my extracurriculars from ever feeling like a chore, but instead like a time to hang out with them while we get events done for the school year.

"Although volunteer work can be difficult in an already jam-packed schedule, I write myself little notes with inspiring quotes that prevent me from losing sight of the key things in life. I’ve been helped countless times throughout my childhood, so reminding myself how one person can leave an impact keeps me going. "
- Esperanza G.

Out of school, I have enjoyed my time volunteering around my community. I have acquired about 400 volunteer hours at my local hospital and 50 volunteer hours at my community food bank. The opportunity to lend a helping hand to expecting parents, provide assistance if there are any language barriers, and offer directions to patients and families has been a fulfilling experience. When I was younger, I would be the main translator for my mom, so I always aim to be the one person who makes someone’s day easier.

The community food bank feeds hundreds of families a day, so being a small part of that achievement made the time worthwhile. Although volunteer work can be difficult in an already jam-packed schedule, I write myself little notes with inspiring quotes that prevent me from losing sight of the key things in life. I’ve been helped countless times throughout my childhood, so reminding myself how one person can leave an impact keeps me going.

Burnout is a serious issue that can have devastating effects. I have learned to create a balance in my life to prevent burning out by getting exercise most days, creating a routine, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering for organizations that I am extremely passionate about. This balance that I have learned throughout high school will prepare me for my time in college as a first-generation minority STEM student.

- Esperanza G.


2021 Co-Winning Entry

"No sacrifice was too great to help my son succeed."

- Lori J., 2021 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

From my small apartment, the tune of “Good King Wenceslas” blared from my son’s shiny brass trumpet. My eight-year-old son, Jimmy, was practicing for his first Christmas concert in the school orchestra. Jimmy is autistic, and his music teacher recommended he play an instrument to help him focus. He had noticed his musical giftedness.

"The Christmas of 1998 would be lean as usual, but I remained optimistic as Jimmy’s interest in the trumpet kept him focused on school for the first time."
- Lori J.

As a single parent, the cost of the trumpet was steep, but I tried to keep up with the monthly payments. No sacrifice was too great to help my son succeed.

Previously, we had experienced a crisis that ended in divorce leaving my son and me homeless. With nothing but the clothes on my back, and my two-year-old son in my arms, I walked away from a situation that was threatening to our well-being. We lived in a domestic violence shelter for a month until we could find a place. Eventually, we got some furniture, and child support was ordered. While our housing situation was humble, it was a place of our own and we were free from abuse.

After graduating from college with an associate degree in 1996, I dreamed of being able to provide a decent income for my son and me. However, I found myself working full-time managing Jim's special needs instead of a career. There were far too many CSE meetings, therapies, and hours spent researching.

"While other mothers are soccer moms, with a guitar in tow, my primary job was to be a “rocker mom.”"
- Lori J.

The biggest obstacle was that he suffered to go to school. He would often get lost on the way to and from the building. Sometimes, he would mentally withdraw during class to escape from difficult social demands, typical of kids on the autism spectrum. I was busy advocating for his special accommodations in the classroom. Life was anything but normal.

The Christmas of 1998 would be lean as usual, but I remained optimistic as Jimmy’s interest in the trumpet kept him focused on school for the first time.

While he practiced the trumpet, I baked Christmas cookies. Then the phone rang. It was the collections department attempting to collect a late payment for my son’s trumpet. I had fallen behind in payments.

My heart sank as I thought of having to take from my son the only source of motivation he had for going to school.

“Will you accept a smaller amount until I can get caught up?” I asked.

“No, ma’am,” the woman said firmly. “If the $100 is not paid in full, we will have to repossess the trumpet.”

I hesitated a moment. “That would be just awful as my son loves playing, and music gives him a reason to go to school.”

I sighed. “You see, he is autistic.”

The tone of the conversation shifted. “What is his music teacher’s name?” Several minutes later, the woman came back. “Ms. Jagow? I just spoke with your son’s music teacher, and he tells me your son is quite talented. Please accept the trumpet as a gift from us.”

I hesitated a moment. Did I hear her correctly?

“You can consider the trumpet paid in full,” she reassured me. “Merry Christmas!”

As I hung up, tears of gratitude fell from my eyes.

The next few years were some of his best and he played that treasured trumpet in the school band through sixth grade until he took up the guitar.

Once he reached 7th grade, he was no longer in one stable classroom. The changing of classes each period was too much for him. He pleaded with me to homeschool.

Again, I put my career aspirations aside and continued part-time work. We homeschooled him from 7th-12th grade allowing him more music practice time. Once we began homeschooling, he flourished academically. He jumped three grade levels in the first year! Though he did well, I was concerned that he needed the socialization of school and so at the age of 15, I drove him to the local community college for music courses. While other mothers are soccer moms, with a guitar in tow, my primary job was to be a “rocker mom.”

As it turns out, Jimmy is a musical prodigy. This is a rare condition known as savant syndrome. He has musical abilities far in excess of average. What is unique about his talent among people with disabilities, is that he is also a composer. My sacrifice really paid off when he graduated Cum Laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in May of 2020.

Dealing with special needs continued throughout Jimmy’s early adulthood and has left me in a low-income bracket. Significant time was invested ensuring he would become independent with the right supports in place. Just as his early schooling was a full-time job, so was setting him up for adulthood. The days were spent in meetings with courts, colleges, and other support agencies.

Placing my son in a group home would not have provided him with the support that a person with his musical giftedness needs. I gladly invested my time in his future to establish the right education, finances, and self-directed programming.

It wasn't until my son was done with high school that I returned to college and finished my bachelor’s degree in counseling. For many years, I worked as a part-time counselor with people who were in crisis just as I once was. I also learned that many helping agencies are not equipped to handle their large caseloads, such as special education, addictions, disability organizations, domestic abuse, etc. This sparked my interest in improving organizational leadership.

I had learned so much from personal experience that I received 8 credits for special education advocacy and earned a 4.0 GPA. I am currently enrolled in a Harvard Business School class and have decided to pursue a graduate certificate from Harvard Extension School. There is no financial assistance available for certificate programs at Harvard.

I believe a bright future lies ahead for my son and me despite the years of hardship we have endured. This scholarship money would enable me to obtain the credentials I need to help organizations grow in their ability to empower others who are disadvantaged.

- Lori J.


2021 Co-Winning Entry

"Everyone has their own way to cope with the stress that comes from being overworked, and luckily, I’ve found my key to success."

- Nicole L., 2021 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

I, much like Sheryl R. Rentz, sometimes struggle with balancing everything I do. From working to maintain my GPA to inflating balloons at party city almost twenty hours a week, to practicing the flute, alto flute, piccolo, and oboe every day, to finding time for myself, my weeks can get a little jam-packed. Everyone has their own way to cope with the stress that comes from being overworked, and luckily, I’ve found my key to success.

"It’s like nothing else is happening except the music and I can feel it in my bones, I just let the rhythm take over my whole mind, it calms me down so, so much."
- Nicole L.

When I was younger, I really struggled with finding a way to do all the things I wanted without having a mental breakdown. I was a freshman in high school trying to balance schoolwork, a part-time job of goose caretaking, sports, flute lessons, and practicing for my San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra audition. Needless to say, it was an adjustment from middle school where I didn’t have nearly the same workload. I’d never had the experience of focusing on so much at once, that I didn’t know how to maintain a healthy mindset and do a million things every day.

At first, it wasn’t too bad, I just took it day by day, focusing on one task at a time. Yet, as the school year progressed, I got more and more stressed and worn down. The week before my audition, I was nearing the end of my rope, and while I was sitting on the floor, face covered in tears, literally ripping hair out of my scalp, I realized things needed to change. I spent some time evaluating how I organized my life, trying to find what I could change to better manage my time and stress. I found that the overwhelming issue was not taking time to focus on myself.

Since my revelation, I’ve taken much effort to dedicate time every day to cool down and relax. I still have an endless list of things I need to do, especially now that I’m a senior. But, making sure I take a twenty-minute break here and there to read a book or watch TV, taking a whole evening off to sit in the bath and wind down, has made my life exponentially more manageable.

"I know that by dedicating time in my day to myself to listen to music or read, and by physically seeing my to-do list dwindle down and disappear, I have found the key to managing my life."
- Nicole L.

Another way I like to cool down is by putting in some earbuds and blasting my favorite music. As a musician, music is my whole life and it means everything to me, so when I listen to a song, I’m able to just totally zone out. It’s like nothing else is happening except the music and I can feel it in my bones, I just let the rhythm take over my whole mind, it calms me down so, so much.

I’ve found another thing that helps me is making lists. Every morning I write down a list of the things I want to accomplish that day. Finish my essay, start my French project, practice two hours, exercise, clean my room, do laundry, look for scholarships – I make sure I write down everything big and small. While it can seem a little overwhelming at first, every time I cross off a task, I feel so productive. There’s just something so satisfying about watching thing by thing get crossed off that makes me feel so good.

Writing everything I need to do on my list also helps me to stop stressing about potentially forgetting something I have to do, because I wrote it down. And then, at the end of the day, I get to crumple my list into a little ball and throw it away, which makes me feel proud and productive and ready to start another day.

It took literally ripping the hair out of my head to find a way to balance my life. Even though it’s not always easy, I’ve found two simple ways to make my life so much easier and enjoyable. I know that by dedicating time in my day to myself to listen to music or read, and by physically seeing my to-do list dwindle down and disappear, I have found the key to managing my life. I know that I will be able to strike a balance between my mental health and my work in college and in life, because I’ve been lucky enough to find the escapes that work for me, and I’m so grateful for them because I don’t want to live life without constantly being busy, that’s fulfilling to me, but I know I couldn’t have continued on like that without having found my key to success.

- Nicole L.


2021 Co-Winning Entry

"I live for the gratitude that I witness as I volunteer in my community."

- Sophie G, 2021 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

I will admit it, school is one of the hardest aspects of my life. I have always chosen to challenge myself academically by taking the highest-level courses and working hard to excel in those courses and that makes getting an education even more demanding. All throughout high school, it has become evident how stressful such a coursework can be and I choose to manage this stress by participating in extracurricular activities and volunteer work that I truly enjoy. Along with my schoolwork, I have always had a passion for giving my time and assistance to my community.

"Over the course of high school, I have really come to understand how important pursuing ambitions can be."
- Sophie G.

Whenever I get the chance, I choose to volunteer in my community so that I can use my abilities to support those around me. Whether it be being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army or being a volunteer at Red Cross Blood Drives, I always make sure that I take time away from my learning to give back to my community. I have always enjoyed volunteering because it is just so rewarding. I live for the gratitude that I witness as I volunteer in my community. They are so many people that struggle to find assistance and even if I can provide some relief, I will always do it.

Similar to volunteer work, I also try to balance extracurricular activities such as the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Technology Student Association, lacrosse, and volleyball into my schedule. Over the course of high school, I have really come to understand how important pursuing ambitions can be. Although my education is my top priority, I always portion out my time so that I can participate in the activities I am passionate about.

For example, I have wanted to be an aerospace engineer ever since I was a child. I chose to pursue this passion when I joined Technology Student Association, a club in which I can work to solve real-world engineering issues and activities. By participating in after-school clubs and sports that I enjoy, I am able to be more productive in school. I have these activities that I am able to look forward to and this motivates me to keep working to achieve my education.

"As an adult, having to balance work, leisurely activities, and any other aspect of life is just as challenging as what I try to do presently."
- Sophie G.

Now that I have come to understand the importance of balancing my volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and education, I can use these strategies to create a similar balance in my future. As an adult, having to balance work, leisurely activities, and any other aspect of life is just as challenging as what I try to do presently. Now that I know the importance of taking time to pursue activities that I can enjoy, I intend to do the same as an adult.

I hope to create a routine in my life in which I am able to go to work and then release any stress by volunteering in my community or participating in an activity that I am passionate about. Whether this activity is pursuing my interest in photography or skiing or any other activity I come to enjoy, this balance will assist me in leading a less stressful life in which I can be more productive in everything that I choose to do.

- Sophie G.


2021 Co-Winning Entry

"No matter the obstacles, I fight for my dreams and passions."

- Angelina X., 2021 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

Seventeen APs, many more Honors classes, leadership in five clubs, three research internships, one thousand service hours, and four part-time jobs. You’d think I’d get no hours of sleep. In reality, I’m in bed by 11 PM every day.

"But no matter how high I climb, I reinvest in my origins and uplift those around me."
- Angelina X.

How did I do this? I identify as a full-time student and daredevil warrior. With these roles in mind, I formed my priorities and ruthlessly trimmed out extraneous activities.

First and foremost comes academics. Beginning high school, I retained the mindset that “time is abundant.” However, I soon realized that turning in assignments five minutes before the due time –while praying that the Internet would not crash – was not conducive to my blood pressure nor mental health. Stress enables efficiency to a certain extent, but over that threshold, it leads to unsustainable breakdowns.

Thus, productivity became a matter of planning my schedule down to the hour – even the minute. I took full advantage of my downtime: studying on the school bus, between breaks at work, or waiting for my parents to pick me up from activities.

"Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world, and there’s something so much more powerful, fulfilling, and worthwhile in helping others, than only serving myself."
- Angelina X.

Unsurprisingly, the “pings” on my phone and the temptation to tap on Instagram detracted from my focus. Whenever I turned on my mental “study-mode,” I also turned on my devices’ “Do Not Disturb” mode. On Google Chrome, I downloaded the “Blocksite” plug-in to blacklist social media sites while studying.

When I found myself unable to begin a daunting pile of work, I broke it into smaller, more manageable tasks and coaxed myself to begin. The mental barrier towards productivity is often a matter of minutes. After those first five minutes, I found myself enjoying the problem-sets. By completing schoolwork efficiently, I had more time to pursue my role as a daredevil warrior.

So how am I a daredevil warrior? No matter the obstacles, I fight for my dreams and passions. Thus, my extracurriculars were never a burden.

Since freshman year, I’ve volunteered at Children’s Hospital for over 500 hours. Here, I witnessed the beauty of the patient-doctor bond: one doctor rocked a child to sleep; another adopted her infant patient. However, even on weekends, children braved illness alone; parents were away, working to pay crushing medical bills, the #1 cause for bankruptcy in America.

In my sophomore year, I founded Miracle Network to raise money and awareness for pediatric illness. As Founder and President, I unified the movement by rallying other clubs and sports to form “fundraising teams.” For community awareness, we went door-to-door to businesses for sponsorships. Unfortunately, COVID-19 halted in-person fundraisers. Instead, I spearheaded 10 hours of virtual support sessions, reaching 1,000 patient families. To date, we’ve raised $10,000, and Miracle Network has been featured in Yahoo and MSN News.

I have to thank the pandemic for illuminating my real passions: social distancing compelled me to seek alternatives for activities I was truly invested in while eliminating less important activities. Similar to Miracle Network, my research internships were canceled. Instead, I attended the virtual New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences, where we conducted machine learning research and took college courses in neurobiology and cancer. I also participated in virtual science fairs and placed 2nd in Computer Science for my machine learning research on misinformation detection. As for activities like orchestra, I haven’t touched my violin since. I realized that I only participated due to FOMO (fear of missing out). Reflecting on my priorities better balanced my time and well-being.

Additionally, as a daredevil warrior, I’ve continually chosen passion over conformity. Despite being a female minority in STEM, I carved out my own path, placing in the Top 3% internationally for biology, Top 50 nationally in the USA Biology Olympiad, and two-time champion in the New Jersey Science League.

Two years ago, I witnessed dementia feed on my uncle’s memories. This launched me to apply my textbook knowledge to research. As a high schooler without research connections, I emailed over 70 professors to obtain my first internship. After all, I only needed one, and the effort paid off.

To date, I've first-authored 7 research publications in the National Institutes of Health, International Neuroethics Society, etc. My Alzheimer's research has also been recognized by the American Academy of Neurology and the Regeneron Science Talent Search, whose alumni network includes Nobel Laureates. However, these aren’t for personal recognition; they bring science to a larger platform and promote public awareness.

With my newfound science experience, I was elected President of the Biology Club, Research Club, New Jersey Science League, and Science National Honors Society. But no matter how high I climb, I reinvest in my origins and uplift those around me.

When my first science mentee won a research fair, I smiled until my cheeks hurt. When another received a $100 science award, I cried with happiness for 10 minutes straight. Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world, and there’s something so much more powerful, fulfilling, and worthwhile in helping others, than only serving myself.

Most importantly, I leave time for friends and family. These relationships set the foundation for my well-being and happiness. They offer words of wisdom, relaxation, and inspiration for my goals.

As for the future, I aspire to study for an MD/PhD and become a physician-researcher. Balancing rigorous academics, residency, volunteering, and family will be more relevant than ever. Like Miracle Network and STEM, this career will be no burden. As a researcher, I want history to record the number of treatments I curate, the number of lives I save, and the medical costs I reduce. As a physician, I will become the pillars of support for my patients. Battling alongside them, I want to witness their power and hope rebound with the therapies I create. With this dual role, I will continue to advocate for the underserved.

The journey ahead may be daunting, but I’m a daredevil warrior: I dare to dream, and I fight for my dreams to become reality.

- Angelina X.


2021 Co-Winning Entry

"It is no mystery, however, from a young age, I learned in the hardest way possible how fleeting life really is."

- Grant H., 2021 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

Even from a young age, time management has truly been a passion of mine. My family and my friends seemed to find my desire to live life to the fullest somewhat strange. It is no mystery, however, from a young age, I learned in the hardest way possible how fleeting life really is.

"I do not think there is anything strange about being deliberate and thoughtful with how you live your life."
- Grant H.

When I was between the ages of five through eleven my mother struggled with a severe opioid and benzodiazepine addiction. This was hard enough in its own right but it only got harder. My parents had gone through a divorce when my father, who was at the time and still is struggling with alcoholism, gave up on trying to get through to my mom.

When I was eleven on a day I will never forget, it was my momma’s year with me for Thanksgiving. However, I was greeted not with turkey and stuffing, but with the responsibility of taking care of my stuporous guardian. She had this tendency when she was especially medicated to fall from a sitting position on the couch face-first onto the coffee table. It made this horrific thud and sent the cigarette butts and soda cans flying to the floor.

I did what I usually did, I got her to her feet and brought her to her bed to lie down. I then set about making myself a thanksgiving meal of frozen Salisbury steak and pop tarts. A few hours later, my momma’s boyfriend at the time came home and asked where my mom was, and I told him she was in the bedroom. He went to the bedroom and the next thing I hear is 911 on speakerphone and the sound of him performing CPR.

"Time is a finite resource and to spend any of it thoughtlessly and without consideration for your future is a great mistake."
- Grant H.

I do not think there is anything strange about being deliberate and thoughtful with how you live your life. If anything, the lack of pursuit for a life well lived is what I find strange. This is what drives my passion for the time management that allows me to handle adult responsibilities like education and work.

Let me share how I developed these skills and how I used them. I became very consistent in developing my sleep schedule. I would, and still do, schedule all the hours of each day for the upcoming week every Sunday. I wanted to make sure I could get the most out of each day of my life. I created and began following a regular weight-lifting and cardio routine.

I also started a habit of daily 20-minute meditation sessions and set aside 30 minutes every day for reading. My reading was largely centered around non-fiction works related to either self-improvement or the type of science I was interested in at the time. This outlook of course began to extend into my academic and work life as I got older, and these two things became more real responsibilities. I read all about the best studying techniques, how to write the best essay, and how to manage deadlines.

Even from my first year of high school, I was extremely diligent in my academic pursuits. I took a large course load of college and AP classes and still was able to maintain a nearly perfect GPA over four years. Of course, academics are only part of it. When I turned 15, I was able to get my first job.

However, with the limitations of my home life, I could not rely on anyone to drive me to work. So, I worked at a nearby sit-down restaurant I could bike to. I worked as a host and used that money to save up for my first car when I turned 16. Being a host was a full-time job and a demanding one at that; however, the skill of managing the combined responsibilities of assigning tables, handing out drinks, and bussing tables is another way I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities.

After that I got my job I still have currently. I work as an executive assistant for a software company, Retail Information Technology Enterprises, that develops and services point of sale system software. I do just about everything: errands, package delivery, timecard submissions, software testing, and simple cleaning.

Throughout high school and now college I have excelled in both my academic and working life. In my last semester in college, I obtained a 4.0 GPA and am on track to maintain it this semester as well. This is while also working nearly full time at my job where management has given me more and more responsibilities and esteem over time. My success in my pursuits is driven by my past hardships, but more than that what they taught me, and how I have acted on what I learned. Time is a finite resource and to spend any of it thoughtlessly and without consideration for your future is a great mistake.

With this hard-learned lesson, I have spent my high school, work, and now college career developing a set of personal values and habits that bring me success and happiness.

- Grant H.


2020 Co-Winning Entry

"With only 24 hours in a day and all this and much more that I want to do, I need to manage my time, prioritize my commitments, and ensure that I stay productive."

- Raj P., 2020 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

In today’s 24/7 society, being busy has become common. Throughout my early years of high school, my motto was to always stay busy, as if the mere notion of having work to do at all times would propel me forward on the path towards pursuing my barely thought out goals. Going forward to now, in my senior year of high school, I’ve dedicated myself to my combined passions of finance and healthcare. Just recently, I was accepted to my top choice school, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

"By frequently switching tasks through breaks, or even giving my mind time to rest, I am able to keep my brain fresh, increase creativity, and reduce mental fatigue, allowing me to continue to work without feeling the need to procrastinate or take a long nap."
- Raj P.

Throughout my high school career, I’ve involved myself in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, been employed as a lifeguard, and challenged myself by taking the most rigorous coursework at my school. Whether my time is taken up by my duties as State President of Nevada DECA, team captain of the varsity chess team, organizing leadership conferences for over 1000 students, or practicing traditional Indian dance, I never let my schoolwork be put on the backburner. With over 12 AP courses throughout high school, and countless honors courses, homework takes up another large chunk of my time. In addition, I’ve also volunteered for over 100 hours at the Veterans Affairs Hospital Emergency Department, won many speech and debate tournaments, tutored students for standardized tests, and won National History Day and We the People competitions.

With only 24 hours in a day and all this and much more that I want to do, I need to manage my time, prioritize my commitments, and ensure that I stay productive. Early on in high school, I struggled with procrastination, always opting for immediate satisfaction through playing video games or watching Netflix, rather than using time wisely to learn and complete my homework. As I continued through high school and required more time for learning, I adapted, and slowly, very slowly, figured out ways to combat my procrastination and manage my time with the help of learning some psychology.

The first technique that I learned was suggested by a teacher, called the Pomodoro technique. It involves cycles of 25 minutes of work, followed by a 5-minute break, followed by a longer 15-30 minute break every 4 cycles. By frequently switching tasks through breaks, or even giving my mind time to rest, I am able to keep my brain fresh, increase creativity, and reduce mental fatigue, allowing me to continue to work without feeling the need to procrastinate or take a long nap. The immense flexibility of the method also allows me to adapt it to any time frame or project that I need to complete.

"By learning how to keep a proper work-life balance now, I’ll be able to limit my stress in my future career, relationships, and life in general."
- Raj P.

My second technique is to prioritize work that is most important, especially if a due date is close by, or if I need to tackle a giant project such as organizing a leadership conference. For example, when preparing for the international DECA competition (I competed in Principles of Finance and Business Finance Services, winning 5th place internationally in both 2017 and 2019), I ensured that I prioritized homework first, as the due dates were generally closer than the date of the conference. However, to find some semblance of balance within my life, I always dedicated at least 15 to 30 minutes each day to learn more about finance, and around an hour each day to relax, decompress, or otherwise enjoy myself.

But how is this balance helping me find the key to a brighter future? Why is balance so important? In my future career as an investment banker or business consultant, I’m likely to find long working hours in high stress environments that can cause even the best of us to burn out quickly without taking proper precautions. By learning how to keep a proper work-life balance now, I’ll be able to limit my stress in my future career, relationships, and life in general. I won’t burnout as quickly. I’ll be more productive. I’ll be able to work harder, make fewer mistakes, and enjoy my life. And, most importantly, I will be able to have the key to a brighter future, because all that a brighter future entails for me is the continued happiness and good health of both myself and my family, which would not be possible without my continued dedication to time management and pursuing my passions.

- Raj P.


2020 Co-Winning Entry

"As I got older and went through high school, I found myself focusing on my most important activities first and squeezing in others where I could."

- Julia T., 2020 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

I've always been the type of person who likes to stay busy. Even taking a day off makes me feel unproductive. So, it’s no surprise that I would often spend ten or more hours at my high school a day. Between a heavy course load of honors and AP classes, and a plethora of extracurricular activities, I definitely avoided having downtime.

"I saw how I could use my organizational and leadership skills to affect my community and possibly sew a seed of educational curiosity in the next generation of students."
- Julia T.

What has been the key to balancing all of this? While it hasn’t been easy, for me, it’s all been about prioritization. Although I like to be involved with a lot of different activities, I had to learn how to prioritize which ones were important to me. As I got older and went through high school, I found myself focusing on my most important activities first and squeezing in others where I could. Every Monday after school was set aside for trivia club, while Saturday mornings were for Girl Scouts meetings. Although, I wasn’t afraid to make new activities fit if I was passionate about them.

During my senior year, I was in charge of putting together the Haunted Physics Lab, an annual event that our school hosts showcasing Halloween-themed science projects to young children to help foster an interest in STEM. When my physics teacher asked me to take on this leadership role, I sensed it would be no easy task. Still, I knew that the goal of inspiring kids was a worthwhile cause I wanted to spend my time on.

And time I spent, with countless hours after school running meetings to help student volunteers learn their science projects. I emailed dozens of people to get a student band to play live music and a local ice cream store to give out samples at the event. I even sacrificed my precious lunches and after school time to set out tables and tape down extension cords.

"If I’ve learned anything in my psychology class, it’s that getting enough sleep is essential for your mental, physical, and intellectual health."
- Julia T.

The day of was an anxiety-filled flurry of setup, but the Haunted Physics Lab went off without a hitch. Despite the stress, it was all worth it when I heard kids laughing and smiling and saying, “I want to try this one!” I saw how I could use my organizational and leadership skills to affect my community and possibly sew a seed of educational curiosity in the next generation of students.

Still, my schoolwork always came first. As soon as I got home, I’d sit down to finish my math homework or write my English essay. Setting aside time specifically for schoolwork first ensured that I wasn’t staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish my assignments.

Like anything else, I budgeted out my time for sleep. If I’ve learned anything in my psychology class, it’s that getting enough sleep is essential for your mental, physical, and intellectual health. Yet, it can often be overlooked in an attempt to accomplish more. Personally, sleep is and will always be a priority that helps me balance everything else.

This method of prioritization has served me well, and I believe that it will continue to help me succeed. Being able to balance my school life and extracurricular pursuits helped me get into my dream school, Brown University. Next year, I plan to attend Brown and pursue a double major in Portuguese and Brazilian studies and another area that I will discover once I’m there. I will have to continue balancing and prioritizing in order to achieve a double major at a school with such academic rigor. On top of my academics and extracurriculars at college, I will also have a job on campus to assist in paying for college. So, I will have to continue my prioritization methods to be able to succeed. Although it will be a lot to manage, I’m excited to rise to the challenge. After all, I like to keep busy!

- Julia T.


2019 Co-Winning Entry

"Law is a topic that motivates me to think differently and pushes my mind to explore new options."

- Lauren B., 2019 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essay

My biggest passion lies within judicial courtrooms. Ever since I was six years old, I have attended court and watched my father argue his most crucial cases. He is an Assistant Attorney General for Connecticut and I have shadowed his position throughout my childhood and young adulthood.

"I’ve helped build a wastewater system in the Dominican Republic, sung Christmas carols at a local nursing home, volunteered at the Block Island Fire Department, and taught English to children living in Laos, Asia (just to name a few)."
- Lauren B.

When he comes home from work and tells me about his day, I am fascinated by each case he describes to me because of its complexities and interesting stories. After his descriptions, I question him on how he is going to form his legal position for a particular case and anticipate what the other side would argue. I would use this scholarship to increase my passion for law by completing my undergraduate with a pre-law track and then eventually law school. This scholarship would put me one step closer to achieving my dream job.

Law is a topic that motivates me to think differently and pushes my mind to explore new options. From being exposed to my Dad’s profession, I’ve realized that lawyers need not always think the same way, but rather through different perspectives. I want to challenge my mind to these new dimensions and see what happens. I am also passionate about people getting the justice they deserve. Morally, I know there is a right and a wrong. Perhaps with my passion for the law, I can contribute in situations where people need it defined the most.

In the future, I see myself as a leader for social change. My main goal is to become more involved in local and global communities in a way where I can tie in my passion for law and civic engagement. I have participated in many satisfying volunteer projects, either at my school or abroad. For example, I’ve helped build a wastewater system in the Dominican Republic, sung Christmas carols at a local nursing home, volunteered at the Block Island Fire Department, and taught English to children living in Laos, Asia (just to name a few). Although these activities were all during my high school years, and shaped me as the person I am today, I am ready to see how a competitive college education can push me through more activities like these.

"Morally, I know there is a right and a wrong. Perhaps with my passion for the law, I can contribute in situations where people need it defined the most."
- Lauren B.

I’ve also been in many situations where I have embraced arguing and proving my stance on a controversial issue. I know both of these hobbies are things I want to be a part of for the rest of my life, hobbies I want to make a profession out of.

As for my career, I plan to study very hard in school, become a lawyer, and associate with a non-profit organization or other volunteer program. Arguing cases for mistreated youth or adults would not only be rewarding and satisfying to me, but also inspiring to those whom I represent. After receiving a competitive college education and finishing law school, I plan to use my position to help those who need it most, both globally and locally. Hopefully at the end of my life, I will feel fulfilled knowing I was able to touch multiple people through doing two things I love.

- Lauren B.


2019 Co-Winning Entry

"When you are not tweeting or double-tapping, it is crazy how much more work you can accomplish."

- Haley R., 2019 Scholarship Co-Winner

Short Essayn

If one were to ask my teachers or classmates to describe me, they would use the term “high achieving.” I do not find myself exaggerating when I say high school is my second home. Senior year found me as captain of the tennis team, captain of the law team, editor of the school newspaper, secretary of the National Honor Society, and the stage manager of the drama club; clubs which I have been a part of for four years. All of this, while upholding a job as a paid tutor and maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A.

"Nothing gets left to the last minute; and when I manage my time, I never have to experience any of the dreadful and useless all-nighters or the horrible feeling that you’ve barely studied."
- Haley R.

So, like Sheryl R. Rentz, I stay busy. Yet my answer to success is time management. Every person will tell you this phrase and in the end, it is true. With only twenty-four hours in a day, it is necessary for me to be aware of how long any assignment takes. Math homework lasts thirty minutes, tennis practice two hours. If I have a busy evening, I try to get more done during the school day. It is how I use my time that enables me to be productive.

Time management also means planning. Each Sunday night, I organize my week. If I have a test on Wednesday, I am sure to allocate time for studying on both Monday and Tuesday. Nothing gets left to the last minute; and when I manage my time, I never have to experience any of the dreadful and useless all-nighters or the horrible feeling that you’ve barely studied. When I’ve been studying all week, fears of failing typically are alleviated (unless it is calculus!).

Another aspect of time management is eliminating distractions. Instagram and Snapchat are major time-killers and ones you can’t necessarily prepare for on your to-do list. While certainly a struggle, I have learned to put my phone down. Besides turning off all social media notifications, I have adapted to placing my phone far away while I complete academic activities. When you are not tweeting or double-tapping, it is crazy how much more work you can accomplish.

"If I had to figure out how to solve an intense quadratic equation in addition to doing schoolwork, I would not survive. That is why I pack my schedule with activities I hold a passion for; activities I enter with excitement."
- Haley R.

Finally, while time management is the main way to ensure a balance, doing activities I love has certainly helped. For one, I did not write my first paragraph explaining how I was on the math team or the gymnastics team, or how I complete science experiments in my spare time. Besides not even being able to touch my toes, these are all activities which I dislike. If I had to figure out how to solve an intense quadratic equation in addition to doing schoolwork, I would not survive. That is why I pack my schedule with activities I hold a passion for; activities I enter with excitement. I don’t see tennis practices or newspaper editing sessions as a burden. As a result, I don’t feel overwhelmed. If anything, these activities are my stress reliever so upholding a balance is easy.

Ultimately, I am the principal of my own life. I stay busy, yet happy, by doing what I love. I know I will take this ethic with me to college and the future. As for my future, I will consider it successful when I am able to combine what I enjoy with work. By dedicating time to different activities and knowing what activities I already love, I know my dreams will come true. Balance comes when work and play can co-exist. High school has taught me I can still Snapchat my cake and eat it too. I know in the future I can continue to be high-achieving by keeping my planner, playing tennis, and being sure to avoid chemistry.

- Haley R.


2018 Winning Entry

"I believe that if you are able to impact one person's life, you have been able to make a world of difference to that person."

- Julie D., 2018 Scholarship Winner

Introduction

"Beyond working in America, I have a strong desire to continue to go on medical mission trips."
- Julie D.

Iam currently working as a child life specialist at a children's hospital. My job is to help children better cope with hospitalization through providing education, play, emotional support, and procedural support. Although I love my job, after working in the hospital for a while, I began to feel a call to go into nursing. I want to be able to have a more active role in helping to heal children and support families. I have been accepted into an accelerated BSN program at the University of Florida, which is so exciting, but the next step is figuring out how I will be able to afford nursing school. My goal is to be able to pay for nursing school without going into debt, but that will require some help from scholarships.

Short Essay

My future goal is to be a nurse in pediatrics and be able to be active in providing medical and emotional support to patients and families. Nursing is a career that I cannot pursue without additional education. A college education not only provides me with the opportunity to learn about nursing and caring for patients, but also innumerable life lessons that are priceless. I am a nontraditional student in that I am returning to college for my second bachelor's degree. I think the fact that I am older will allow me to better value this experience and respect the opportunity that I have been given.

"I don't think leaving your mark on the world has to be some huge thing where your name is known throughout humanity."
- Julie D.

As I have begun to think more about what I want my nursing career to look like, I think that I want to be in emergency medicine. I like the fast pace, but I also love the idea of being there in the midst of the chaos and stress and providing the lifesaving care that a patient needs. The joy that I feel is that I am not concerned about making the wrong decision after graduation when it comes to applying for jobs. With additional education, I am provided the opportunity to explore other areas of nursing and learn where I fit the best. I think that is the great thing about medicine, that there are so many opportunities and routes that you can take.

My goals to become a nurse are rooted in the desire to help and serve others. I don't think leaving your mark on the world has to be some huge thing where your name is known throughout humanity. Instead, I believe that if you are able to impact one person's life, you have been able to make a world of difference to that person. Thus, I want my mark on the world to be one of reaching individuals and supporting them through stressful, scary, and difficult times. I want to walk with families through the end of their child's life and provide support, to help parents understand how to care for their child with complex medical needs, and to bring a light of joy and peace into an experience that can be stressful and overwhelming. Nurses make an impact that no one else is able to because they are on the front lines of a patient's care, and that is what I want to do.

"I have been on six trips thus far to the Dominican Republic through Medical Ministries International (MMI). Each trip has been an eye-opening experience and truly humbling."
- Julie D.

Beyond working in America, I have a strong desire to continue to go on medical mission trips. I have been on six trips thus far to the Dominican Republic through Medical Ministries International (MMI). Each trip has been an eye-opening experience and truly humbling. One of my first thoughts when I decided to pursue nursing was, I will be able to be a nurse on the next trip through MMI. On every trip that I have been on through this organization, they have needed more nurses, and I am overjoyed at the thought of being able to help meet this need. I think it is important to not think of myself as a savior, or someone who is coming to rescue these people. I get as much as I give if not more, on every trip I have received kindness, love, and joy from the patients we work with. Getting life into perspective is so important because in America we can get caught up in the desire for more stuff, more money, more whatever it is that you feel you need, and we lose the joy that life can bring.

- Julie D.


2017 Winning Entry

"In college, I plan on pursuing a Communication Sciences and Disorders major with a Deaf Studies minor. This scholarship will help me pursue my career goals."

- Joy Z, 2017 Scholarship Winner

Introduction

Iwas drawn to the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz Scholarship because your firm helps families. My family needs your help to afford college. I have wanted to go to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) since Eighth Grade. The school has a special aura that you can feel the moment you step onto campus. I've felt it every single time I've visited for track camp, open houses, or for Big 10 football games. Penn Staters are like family, whether they're current students or alumni. As an adopted Chinese Jewish American, I felt safe and comfortable on campus. I could see myself at this college. With the cost of college being what it is, I need help to lessen the amount I will need to borrow in order to achieve my dreams. This scholarship will help me pursue my career goals.

My career goal is to become a Speech and Language Pathologist. A Speech and Language Pathologist is a person who is trained to help individuals with communication disorders, cognitive communication disorders, and swallowing disorders. According to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, a communication disorder is an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal, and graphic symbol systems. A few of the ways that a Speech and Language Pathologist can help include working with the individual to eliminate a stutter, improving their articulation, or minimizing their foreign accent. Speech and Language Pathologists can work in schools, hospitals, or clinics with patients of all ages.

Short Essay

Consider this statistic from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: “Of the 7.7 percent of children with a communication or swallowing disorder, 5 percent have speech problems; 3.3 percent have language problems; 1.4 percent have voice difficulties; and 0.9 percent have swallowing difficulties. Of the affected, more than a third (34 percent) of children ages 3–10 and about a quarter (25.4 percent) of children ages 11–17 have more than one of these disorders.” Communication includes reading and writing, which are essential parts of learning. Often times, children with communication disorders need extra support in school.

"I want to be able to help these children because I believe that every child deserves to have the skills they need to succeed in life."
- Joy Z.

I want to be able to help these children because I believe that every child deserves to have the skills they need to succeed in life. The ability to communicate is something that many people take for granted. It's hard to think of what it would be like to constantly struggle to communicate. I feel that I can make a difference in these children's lives. Communication disorders can affect an individual's entire life.

I'm in the process of learning American Sign Language (ASL). The course includes learning about Deaf Culture, part of which is the debate about whether or not to give children cochlear implants. Contrary to what many people believe, cochlear implants do not restore a deaf person's hearing 100%. People who receive implants don't automatically learn how to speak either. Learning to speak takes time, practice, and support. As a Speech and Language Pathologist, I can help to teach them how to speak. I want to be able to give the families of these children options, because most deaf children do not have parents who know ASL. This means parents cannot communicate with their child and vice versa. Parents can raise their child to be bilingual (ASL is a separate language from English) or they can focus on speech. Either way, my job will be to educate them about their options, and help them to reach their goals.

"I want to be a Speech and Language Pathologist because I know I can make a difference."
- Joy Z.

In college, I plan on pursuing a Communication Sciences and Disorders major with a Deaf Studies minor. This will provide me with the first step to becoming a Speech and Language Pathologist. This will also prepare me for starting my Masters degree program, which is required to be a practicing Speech and Language Pathologist. As well as that, a minor in Deaf Studies will help me to learn more about the Deaf community. I want to be the bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities, and I know I need to learn more about the Deaf community before I try to teach others about it. My undergraduate and graduate work will help me to achieve my goals.

I want to be a Speech and Language Pathologist because I know I can make a difference. I'll be able to provide the support that children with communication disorders need. I can be the voice for those who might not always be able to say their opinions on their own. I hope to educate the hearing and Deaf communities about each other, because by focusing on a person's ability rather than disability, we can achieve far more than we ever would've thought possible.

- Joy Z.